10 Business English Phrases Managers Use: Let That Sink In, Take a Step Back, and More (With Quiz & Real Examples)

As a manager, how you say something matters. The right words can make people stop and think. They can help you deliver a tough message without overexplaining—and still leave an impact.

When you use simple, natural phrases that real managers say every day, it’s easier to get your point across and sound more confident. In this article, you’ll learn 10 everyday expressions that help you lead better conversations and handle tough moments like a pro.

What Would You Do in This Situation?

Imagine this:

You’re in a meeting, walking your team through the latest numbers. The results aren’t great. After a moment of silence, you look up and say:

You don’t explain. You don’t move on. You just pause—and let the words land.

ADVERTISEMENT

What does "let that sink in" mean?

LET THAT SINK IN

phrase

used when you want people to think about something important or surprising

Business English Phrases in Action — Listen to the Example

Listen to the dialogue between Rick, the team manager, and Mona, the marketing lead, as they discuss a drop in client renewals.

Rick: Okay, let’s go over the numbers from last quarter. We saw a big drop in renewals and two of our top clients walked away.

Mona: Yeah, we tried to win them back, but they were already halfway through onboarding with a competitor.

Rick: I know. And I want everyone to understand what that means. That’s $2 million in lost revenue. Let that sink in.

(Everyone goes quiet for a moment)

Rick: We need to figure out exactly where we went wrong—and make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Learn More Everyday Phrases Smart Managers Use

Let’s look at some other useful Business English phrases managers use every day.

Just to be clear.

Use it when you want to check understanding, or to explain something more clearly.

Just to be clear—this change won’t affect existing clients, right?

Let’s keep it brief.

Use it when you want to ask others to stay focused and not talk too long.

We’ve got a lot to cover—let’s keep it brief.

ADVERTISEMENT

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Use it when you want to say: slow down, don’t make assumptions before something is certain.

We don’t even have a signed deal yet. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Here’s the bottom line.

Use it when you want to give the most important point or final decision after a discussion.

Here’s the bottom line—we can’t afford to delay this project.

Let's take a step back.

Use it when you want to pause and look at the bigger picture, for example, before making a decision.

We’re getting lost in the details. Let’s take a step back and remember what the main goal is.

ADVERTISEMENT

At the end of the day.

Use it when you want to highlight the key point after considering all the details.

At the end of the day, we need a solution that works for the client and the team.

Off the top of my head.

Use it when you're giving an answer without checking the details or thinking too much.

Off the top of my head, I’d say around 30%.

That’s not set in stone.

Use it when you want to say that a plan, decision, or date is not final and can still be adjusted.

The deadline’s not set in stone—we can adjust if needed.

Let’s circle back to that.

(This phrase is very common, but some people feel it’s slightly overused in corporate settings.)

Use it when you want to pause a topic and come back to it at another time.

That’s a good idea—let’s circle back to that in the next meeting.

Quick Quiz: Can You Choose the Right Phrase?

Test your knowledge of the 10 phrases you just learned.

Think like a manager—what would you say in each situation?